Justice Krishna Dixit Sworn In As Judge of Orissa High Court, Brings Decades of Legal Expertise

Justice Krishna S. Dixit was officially sworn in as a Judge of the Orissa High Court on May 12, 2025. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Harish Tandon, marking Justice Dixit's formal transition from the Karnataka High Court to his new role in Odisha. This transfer was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium and subsequently notified by the Central Government on May 1, 2025.

Justice Dixit's legal career commenced in July 1989, with his enrollment as an advocate. He built a robust practice primarily in the High Courts of Karnataka and Madras, focusing on writ petitions, election laws, and service laws. His legal acumen led to his appointment as the Senior Standing Counsel for the Election Commission of India and as an Additional Central Government Standing Counsel in 1999. Beyond these roles, he represented various significant institutions, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the Karnataka Veterinary Sciences University, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and the National Institute of Unani Medicines. His expertise was further recognized when he served as Amicus Curiae in certain matters before the Karnataka High Court and as a Panel Counsel for several nationalized banks.

In 2014, Justice Dixit was appointed as the Assistant Solicitor General, a position he held until his elevation to the Karnataka High Court bench on February 14, 2018. During his tenure as a judge, he was involved in several notable judgments, including the 2022 decision concerning the Karnataka Hijab ban, which garnered significant public and legal attention. His judicial philosophy often emphasized adherence to constitutional principles, as evidenced by his statement during the Hijab case hearings: "We will go by reason, by law, not by passion or emotions. We will go by what Constitution says. Constitution is the Bhagavad Gita for me. I have taken the oath to abide by Constitution. Let's keep the emotions aside."

Now serving as the fourth senior-most judge of the Orissa High Court, Justice Dixit is scheduled to retire on July 19, 2026. On his inaugural day, he commenced duties by sharing a Division Bench with Justice Krushna Ram Mohapatra, the third senior-most judge of the court. Justice Dixit's extensive experience and commitment to constitutional values are anticipated to contribute significantly to the jurisprudence and judicial proceedings of the Orissa High Court.